Head writers for The Drew Barrymore Show have reportedly declined to return to the programme following the host’s controversial decision to restart during the then-ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strikes.
The actress, 48, faced an adverse reaction after announcing the talk show would return to production, despite the then WGA action – which began on May 2 – along with the US actors union Sag-Aftra.
Following news of an agreement on September 25, Entertainment Tonight reported that bosses were planning looking to get The Drew Barrymore Show back on air on October 16.
Despite the strike tenatively being resolved, three of the talk show’s head writers, Chelsea White, Cristina Kinon and Liz Koe will not be returning, the Hollywood Reporter has claimed.
According to the outlet, a source told them that the CBS show is now interviewing new writers and will be in compliance with the guild.
The report comes after Barrymore adressed backlash suggesting she was not standing in solidarity with the strike.
Barrymore became the subject of online vitrol after she anounced that she was bringing her talk show back amid the industry action, claiming that it complied with strike rules and the decision was “bigger than just me”.
However days later she was forced to backtrack on her comments that the show wasn’t crossing the picket line following a wave of backlash including, being dropped as the host of this year’s US National Book Awards.
Barrymore said in an Instagram statement: “I have listened to everyone and I am making the decision to pause the show’s premiere until the strike is over.
“I have no words to express my deepest apologies to anyone I have hurt and, of course, to our incredible team who works on the show and has made it what it is today.
“We really tried to find our way forward. And I truly hope for a resolution for the entire industry very soon.”
The announcement came after the Never Been Kissed star posted an emotional video – and then deleted – in which she “deeply apologised” to writers and unions.
In the video, Barrymore said: “I believe there is nothing I can do or say in this moment to make it okay. I wanted to own a decision so it wasn’t a PR-protected situation.
“I want everyone to know my intentions have never been in a place to upset or hurt anyone – it is not who I am.”
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has been on strike since the beginning of May over concerns about pay, conditions and the use of artificial intelligence, with actors joining the writers in July in their first “double strike” in more than 60 years.
In the beginning, Barrymore stepped down as host of the MTV Film and TV Awards in a move of solidarity with the striking WGA members.
